Gould loses controversial Labour selection contest

Georgia Gould, the daughter of Tony Blair's polling guru Lord Gould, failed last night to win selection as Labour parliamentary candidate for Erith and Thamesmead, controversially halted last month amid allegations of vote tampering and central interference. Teresa Pearce, a tax investigator and former Bexley councillor, will contest the seat being vacated by sitting MP John Austin who led complaints about the selection process. A party spokesman said Pearce decisively beat former minister Melanie Johnson, with Gould third. "The first task now is to start rebuilding trust in the voters," said Pearce.Press Association

More than 100 cases of swine flu diagnosed in UK

The number of people confirmed with swine flu in the UK passed the 100 mark yesterday after 14 more cases were diagnosed, the Health Protection Agency said. The latest cases involved six adults and eight children, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 101. Eleven of the latest cases involved patients who were contacts of previously confirmed cases, while two were returning travellers. The source of infection for the other person remains under investigation, the HPA said. The Foreign Office has told British travellers they can go to Mexico after a fall in the number of new swine flu cases.Press Association

Secondary system failing, say 28% of parents in poll

More than a quarter of parents believe the secondary school system is not working properly for their children, according to an education group that promotes vocational training. About 28% of parents are dissatisfied with the secondary system, with the proportion rising to 40% of those whose children are aged 15 and 16, the group Edge said. A survey of 1,028 parents found that almost half want more practical learning on the curriculum, while 42% believe that only academic pupils thrive. Almost a quarter believe their child has not been happy since starting secondary school. Peter Walker